switch openers

[Giorgio]

Hi, what tools do you use to open your switches? I've seen different tools to open the switch when mounted, and to open the switch when not mounted.

Thanks

[pkircher]

2 flat screwdrivers .. no need for fancy tools - my 2 cents

[ctrl]

Bent paperclips. The ultimate tools.

[Giorgio]

The problem, with most tools, is that when you lift one side of the top of the switch, you need to put something in the gap, because when you lift the other side, the gap otherwise will close. I use angled pliers and a gmk uniqey clip that I put in the gap to prevent it from closing when I work on the opposite side.

[TalkingTree]

You can make such tool by sawing, filing and bending any ready made plate available at your local hardware store.

[Giorgio]

You can make such tool by sawing, filing and bending any ready made plate available at your local hardware store.

Thanks but I'm not very familiar with those operations, which require a certain precision too... I think that it is easier to just buy the already cut plates 

[fohat.digs]

Mr Bishop's "trident" tools work great.

[Phenix]

Mr Bishop's "trident" tools work great.

where can I buy one?
Didnt he run out of stock?

[lordgiblite]

I use tweezers because it was just what I had on hand that one time I opened up some switches XD.

[ctrl]

The problem, with most tools, is that when you lift one side of the top of the switch, you need to put something in the gap, because when you lift the other side, the gap otherwise will close. I use angled pliers and a gmk uniqey clip that I put in the gap to prevent it from closing when I work on the opposite side.

When I have gotten one side up, i run a paperclip's "pin" carefully all the way through, just behind the pegs. It stays there pretty neatly and prevents it from closing again. I'll probably get a proper tool or tweezers at some point for opening the top housing, but I think I'll use this technique for keeping it open.

[Arallu]

..

[Giorgio]

The problem, with most tools, is that when you lift one side of the top of the switch, you need to put something in the gap, because when you lift the other side, the gap otherwise will close. I use angled pliers and a gmk uniqey clip that I put in the gap to prevent it from closing when I work on the opposite side.

When I have gotten one side up, i run a paperclip's "pin" carefully all the way through, just behind the pegs. It stays there pretty neatly and prevents it from closing again. I'll probably get a proper tool or tweezers at some point for opening the top housing, but I think I'll use this technique for keeping it open.

Thanks, for your suggestion, it will surely be helpful with the harder to reach keys, the stabilized ones.

[Leslieann]

I just got the Mech keyboards tools, I have another set like the screen cap on the way.

I tried tweezers and they just didn't work well for me. I got along just fine with a small flathead screwdriver up until now for switches not mounted and a paperclip or dvd-drive release pin for ones that were, but that was far from elegant and I wouldn't recommend it as it deforms the housing a bit. You aren't likely to destroy them, but they may have trouble holding in a universal plate or PCB mount after. I have a few on my Race that removing the caps rips off the housing.

Spend the few bucks and buy the right tools, you will thank yourself later because while they work, even they could be better.

[0100010]

This is a goid tool for opening when not mounted : https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64115.0

[Giorgio]

This is a goid tool for opening when not mounted : https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64115.0

Interesting, but I wonder why the thread dried up.